By Elizabeth Larkwor Baah
Nungua, Jan. 9, GNA – Some small-scale business owners say the use of technology has improved their customer base and increased profit.
They said they have reduced operational costs, improved decision-making, market strategy, risk assessment, and a lot more in the comfort of their homes through Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools.
Mr. King Cofie Faska, a home appliance dealer in Nungua Addogono who successfully integrated AI technology into his business, says his operations and profitability had improved significantly.
Mr. Faska, who has been in the business for over a decade, deals in refrigerators, washing machines, microwaves, and other essential household appliances.
He mentioned that hitherto, he faced challenges such as inconsistent customer demand, high inventory costs, and limited marketing reach, adding, however, that his decision to adopt AI tools had not only addressed these issues but has also opened new opportunities for growth.
He said he implemented an AI-powered chatbot on his business’s social media platforms that engages with customers in real time, answering enquiries about products, pricing, and availability.
“Previously, customers had to wait hours or even days for responses, but with chatbots, customers receive instant replies, and that at least makes the people relax and feel they have been attended to.
“It’s like having a 24/7 customer service representative without the additional cost,” he stated.
The entrepreneur said there were systems that could analyse sales patterns and even predict products that would be highly demanded in the future that keep him alert as to what to stock at any given time.
He said he was hesitant from the beginning to incorporate technology into his work due to the activities of scammers, adding, however, that taking the bold step had been helpful, calling on the youth to leverage AI to improve their activities.
Naa Aku Allotey, a nail technician at Tema Community One, said her business had experienced significant growth through social media platforms, especially TikTok.
She said she displayed nail art designs and flyers that had promoted her services and connected with clients.
“I get a lot of engagement; people come asking for my services, and a lot have come to have their nails done,” she said.
She noted that her customer base had increased significantly through social media and that had boosted her profit.
GNA